Buzz into Robotics at the Hidden Bee Farm

Build Your Own Robot Bug Workshop

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Class Overview

Date: April 13, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Location: Hidden Bee Farm, 753 Carters Creek Pike, Columbia, TN 38401
Instructor: Zachary Seaton, Geospatial Analyst, Survey Technician, and Lieutenant in the Army National Guard
Age Group: Suitable for ages 8 and up (flexible depending on skill level)
Capacity: Limited to ensure hands-on experience for all participants
Cost: $40 per participant
What to Bring: Lunch and a curious mind

Class Itinerary

10:00 AM – Welcome and Introduction to Robotics (30 minutes)

Introduction to the Day: Overview of activities, safety briefing.
Meet the Instructor: Brief background of Zachary Seaton, his expertise, and his journey into robotics.
What is Robotics?: A simple explanation of robotics and its significance in today’s world.

10:30 AM – Demonstrating a Real Robotic Arm (30 minutes)

Live Demonstration: Showcase a robotic arm in action, explaining its components, functionality, and real-world applications.
Q&A Session: Encourage questions to deepen understanding.

11:00 AM – Basics of Robotics and Engineering Principles (30 minutes)

Interactive Presentation: Cover basic concepts like sensors, actuators, power sources, and simple circuits.
Hands-On Mini-Activity: Simple circuit creation with LEDs and batteries to demonstrate electrical principles.

11:30 AM – Introduction to the Robot Bug Project (15 minutes)

Project Overview: Explain the vibrating robot bug, its components, and how it works.
Understanding the Materials: Go through the materials provided for the project, including the syringe switch battery pack.

11:45 AM – Lunch Break (30 minutes)

Participants are encouraged to bring their lunches. This time can also be used for informal discussions on robotics.

12:15 PM – Constructing the Robot Bug (1 hour)

Step-by-Step Guidance: Walk through the construction process of the robot bug, from assembly to wiring.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Participants can work in small groups or individually with guidance from the instructor and assistants.

1:15 PM – Testing and Customization (15 minutes)

First Test: Participants test their robot bugs on a tiled surface, observing how the balance and construction affect movement.
Customization: Encourage participants to customize their bugs, adjusting legs or adding decorations to personalize their creations.

Wrapping Up (1:30 PM)

Show and Tell: Participants share their creations and experiences.
Feedback and Q&A: Gather feedback, answer any remaining questions, and discuss how participants can continue exploring robotics.
Certificates of Participation: Hand out certificates to acknowledge the participants’ hard work and learning.

Materials Provided

Pre-cut materials for the robot bug body (e.g., plastic or cardboard)
Vibrating motor
Battery pack with a syringe switch (as per the Instructable guide)
Wires and other electronic components
Decorative materials for customization

Post-Class Support

Provide a handout with resources for further learning in robotics, including websites, local clubs, and online courses.
Share contact information for participants to reach out with questions or share their progress on future projects.

This plan combines theoretical learning with practical, hands-on experience, designed to spark interest in robotics and engineering among beginners of all ages. The project is chosen for its simplicity, educational value, and the immediate satisfaction of creating a working robot.